Education

Access to a good quality education is a fundamental human right, and although great strides have been made in global literacy rates, across the world there are still 123 million young people between the ages of 15-24 who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. Even after four years of primary schooling as many as 250 million children cannot read and write.

We know that children from the poorest households are more likely to be absent from school, and even in richer households girls are more likely to be out of school than boys. So there is much work to be done in this area.

Volunteering with us means that you will be able to work directly with young people in some of the world’s poorest communities. You will bring new ideas and perspectives to the lives of the people with which you work, while at the same time having the experience of your life.

Agriculture

Sustainable farming projects are essential for the economies of many rural communities in the countries in which we work.

Our volunteers work on a number of organic farming activities including working alongside local farmers to plant and harvest tropical plants; maintain plantations; and work in organic fruit orchards. Volunteers also work on reforestation projects. In some locations, volunteers help in activities like beach cleanups; building community trash cans; helping to upkeep the reserve through various projects such as example building fences and shelters.

Business

We aim to build a global partnership for development, taking advantage of business skills, new technology and the increasing availability of the internet to build a fair and non-discriminatory trading and finance system to benefit those in developing countries.

Our volunteers come from business, management, new media and creative backgrounds. Working together with the communities, they transform the fortunes of  businesses, community groups and craftspeople.

Community

We work with NGO’s and community groups to develop cultural micro-enterprises.  Cultural micro-enterprises are community organisations that promote local culture using business approaches. The main challenge facing micro-enterprises in the developing world is their ability to simultaneously meet their social goals and remain economically viable.

Our projects support organisations that largely work with rural people to preserve traditional cultural practices by training and linking them to market opportunities in the city. Volunteers assist organisations in designing and implementing strategies for economic sustainability. As with our other programmes, you will have the opportunity to live and work in the local communities.

Construction

Whether you are a qualified and experienced construction professional, a willing amateur DIY enthusiast, or just want to get involved in a community project, you could work on one of our social construction projects.

As a volunteer on one of our social building projects, you will work with local partners to build new, sustainable homes, hospitals and community centres for disadvantages people across Africa and Asia. You will work alongside local people, sharing your skills and being a key member of our ongoing  project designed so construction skills are retained within the community once you return from your placement.

Environment

We face increasing environmental challenges caused by global population growth, climate change and over consumption of natural resources. While in many developing countries traditional farming methods have been replaced by unsustainable extraction of resources such as timber.

Volunteers on our conservation programmes work with the local community to increase understanding of environmental issues, as well as offering practical help with projects such as planting trees, working with wildlife conservation projects or improving access to efficient cooking methods or clean water.

Health

Poverty has significant implications on the physical and mental health of the local population in many developing countries. Many diseases, injuries and health problems are directly related to poor living and working conditions. Health issues like those stemming from alcohol abuse, inadequate public sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and limited options for good personal hygiene are also a persistent challenge for many.

Our volunteers work on a number of education and public health programmes, screening for certain diseases, as well as providing health education classes on issues such as prevention of sexually transmitted infections, nutrition and maternal health.